STATEMENT FROM THE TRUSTEES OF THE CHRISTIAN BROTHERS (OCEANIA PROVINCE)
Contents:
Announcement by the Trustees of the Christian Brothers - Oceania Province
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Information
1 ANNOUNCEMENT
22 June 2026
The Trustees of the Christian Brothers, along with the other entities responsible for the conduct of the Congregation of Christian Brothers (Oceania Province) (Province), will be seeking creditor and Court approval for a Creditors’ Scheme of Arrangement under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Scheme) to facilitate the orderly distribution of our remaining property, funds and other assets to our creditors.
We accept that we have now reached a pivotal moment facing a very difficult financial position, and consequently the proposed Scheme is the most responsible course of action.
The creditors eligible to participate in the proposed Scheme will include the victims and survivors of abuse experienced in our facilities (including those who have not yet come forward). Their interests, as well as all those of all our other creditors, remain our highest priority.
Members of the Congregation of Christian Brothers first arrived in Australia 183 years ago in 1843. Whilst there is much to be proud of in what we have achieved, there is also a significant part of our history which is both shameful and painful.
Some members of our congregation have caused enormous harm through their criminal sexual abuse of children. It is a truth we do not resile from, and it is this which has brought us to this point today.
The entities which are proposing the Scheme are:
(a) Trustees of the Christian Brothers;
(b) Trustees of the Christian Brothers (Queensland);
(c) Christian Brothers Vic Property Ltd;
(d) Trustees of the Christian Brothers in Western Australia Incorporated;
(e) ERBOCF Limited; and
(f) The Christian Brothers Incorporated,
(collectively, the Province Entities).
Either through the conclusion of a creditor and Court approved Scheme, or through liquidation, the Province Entities - and the Province – will inevitably come to an end The proposal for a Scheme will require both creditor and Court approval.
If approved, the Scheme will provide for the orderly distribution of our remaining property, funds and other assets to our creditors, including victims and survivors who have a claim against the Scheme Entities, and to meet our other obligations. If it is not approved, the Province Entities will need to enter liquidation.
As part of the proposed Scheme process, we will be seeking an immediate Court approved moratorium which, if granted, will impose a stay on all current and future civil proceedings against the Province Entities until the terms of the Scheme can be finalised after consultation with key stakeholders, and then voted on by creditors and if supported by creditors approved by the Court.
We have been very clear that our highest priority during this process is to ensure that the interests of victims and survivors, as well as our other creditors, are addressed and that the modest future living needs of remaining brothers are also addressed.
The Province and our advisors have commenced informing and engaging with many of our stakeholders, and this work will continue over the coming weeks with a view to putting a finalised Scheme to creditors within a few months.
Information on this announcement, Frequently Asked Questions and contact information for creditors, including those who have experienced abuse, can be found on the Province website https://www.edmundrice.org/. Information updates for creditors will be published on this site.
Any person who has not yet brought forward a claim in relation to abuse they experienced in our facilities would have an opportunity to do so in the proposed Scheme or can continue to do so through the National Redress Scheme www.nationalredress.gov.au. Any allegation of criminal conduct should be reported to local Police.
Ends
Supports
Should you require support there are many services which are available including those listed on these sites including:
https://www.nationalredress.gov.au/help-support/247-support
https://www.childsafety.gov.au/get-support
Notes for media
All comments are attributed to ‘The Trustees of the Christian Brothers’
All media enquiries are to be directed in writing to media@oceaniaprovince.org. Only enquiries received in writing will be responded to.
2 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
The Announcement
What has been announced?
The Trustees of the Christian Brothers announced on 22 June 2026 that it, along with the other Australian entities of the Christian Brothers Oceania Province (Province), will be proposing to their creditors a creditors’ scheme of arrangement under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act) (Scheme), which will require creditor and Court approval.
If the Scheme is approved, it will facilitate the orderly distribution of the Province’s remaining funds to those victims and survivors who have a claim against the Province, as well as our other creditors. Please see full announcement: https://www.edmundrice.org/
What Christian Brothers’ entities does this announcement relate to?
This announcement is made by the Trustees of the Christian Brothers, the civil entity which has historically had responsibility for the operations of the Oceania Province along with other entities, all of which will be included in the proposed scheme of arrangement. These are listed here:
1. Trustees of the Christian Brothers (ABN 64 066 939 786, ARBN 066 939 786);
2. Trustees of the Christian Brothers (Queensland) (ABN 38 961 317 851);
3. Christian Brothers Vic Property Ltd (ACN 073 889 586);
4. Trustees of the Christian Brothers in Western Australia Incorporated (ABN 41 872 516 792);
5. ERBOCF Limited (ACN 675 456 023) in its own capacity and as trustee for the Edmund Rice Brothers Oceania Community Fund (ABN 50 597 224 412); and
6. The Christian Brothers Incorporated (ARBN 695 894 467),
(collectively, the Province Entities).
What has led to this situation?
The Province has been responding to those who have experienced abuse in our facilities for more than four decades. Between 1980 and 2025, the Province has made total payments – including compensation and claimants’ legal costs – in excess of $480 million
Over the past ten years the number of claims and quantum of settlements has accelerated. Consequently, in light of the difficult financial position we find ourselves in, and after extensive engagement with our professional advisors, we have reached the position that has been announced on 22 June 2026 (https://www.edmundrice.org/).
What does this announcement mean?
The Province is proposing a Scheme to our creditors, which will require both creditor and Court approval, to facilitate the orderly distribution of our remaining assets to those victims and survivors who have a claim against the Province, as well as our other creditors, and to transition the care of our Brothers away from the Province.
The Scheme
What is a ‘creditors’ scheme of arrangement’?
A ‘creditors’ scheme of arrangement’ is court-approved restructuring process which is governed by Part 5.1 of the Corporations Act. If approved by creditors and the Court, the proposed Scheme will facilitate the orderly distribution of our remaining assets to those who establish a claim including survivors and victims of abuse experienced in our facilities, as well as other creditors.
Who approves a ‘creditors’ scheme of arrangement’?
A ‘creditors’ scheme of arrangement’ must first be approved by (1) at least 50% of creditors in number who are present and voting on the scheme and (2) creditors representing at least 75% in value of total claims against the Province. If creditors approve the scheme, it must then be approved by the Court before it becomes binding and effective
What are the details of the proposed Scheme?
The Province Leadership and our professional advisors have commenced engagement with many of our key stakeholders to brief them on our circumstances and planning for a proposed Scheme. This engagement will shape the final form of the Scheme to be presented to creditors and then the Court.
The precise details of the Scheme will be made available to all creditors in advance of creditors voting on the Scheme. These details will be published on this website in due course.
Why would the proposed Scheme be better than a liquidation?
The Scheme that has been proposed would provide a number of material advantages for creditors when compared to a liquidation. These would include an improved financial return to creditors, the pooling of all of the Province Entities’ assets into a single fund for distribution to all creditors and the contribution of property which would not be available to creditors in a liquidation. It will also establish a purpose built claims adjudication process, the principles of which have been provided to creditors.
What happens if the Scheme is not approved by creditors or the Court?
If the proposed Scheme does not receive the necessary level of creditor support, or approval of the Court, then the Province Entities will have no option but to enter liquidation.
Responding to Victims and Survivors
Are victims and survivors of abuse creditors of the Province Entities?
Yes. Creditors will include those victims and survivors of abuse including those who have not yet brought forward a civil claim as at the date the Scheme becomes effective.
Are victims and survivors who have lodged a claim with the National Redress Scheme which has not been accepted, or are yet to lodge a claim, creditors of the Province Entities?
Yes, creditors include those victims and survivors of abuse experienced in Christian Brothers’ facilities (as listed under the participating institutions), who have already made a claim which has not yet been determined by the National Redress Scheme or are yet to do so.
If the Scheme is approved, victims and survivors will still be able to elect whether to pursue a claim through the Scheme or the National Redress Scheme.
What happens to civil claims which have been lodged but have not yet been determined by the Court or settled?
The Province has announced (https://www.edmundrice.org/) it will be seeking an immediate court-imposed moratorium which would ‘stay’ all current and future civil proceedings against the Province Entities.
If approved by the Court, the moratorium will enable the terms of the Scheme to be finalised after consultation with our creditors and stakeholders and then put to creditors for a vote and finally to the Court for approval.
When would this moratorium take effect?
A moratorium application will be filed at the beginning of the week commencing 22 June 2026 and a request made for a hearing in following days. It is ultimately a matter for the Court as to when the moratorium will be heard and determined, and whether the moratorium is granted.
What does this mean for me if I have lodged a civil claim against one or more of the Province Entities which has not yet been determined?
If the Court grants the moratorium, any proceeding on foot against the Province Entities would be stayed. If the proposed Scheme is approved, you would instead be entitled to submit a claim through the Scheme. The Scheme will establish a process for the submission of claims for adjudication by a panel of independent claims adjudicators (which will principally comprise retired judges). Details of the adjudication process will be published on this website and will be made available to creditors prior to a vote on the proposed Scheme.
You should speak with your legal advisor if you have further questions regarding how the moratorium would impact you.
What does this mean for me if I have not yet lodged a civil claim against the Province?
You will still have an opportunity to participate in the proposed Scheme even if you have not lodged a civil claim against one or more of the Province Entities at this time. The Scheme, if approved by creditors and then the Court, will establish a process for the submission of claims for adjudication by a panel of independent claims adjudicators (which will principally comprise retired judges). Detailed instructions on how to lodge a claim in the Scheme would be provided in due course and published on this website.
Neither the granting of a Court approved moratorium nor the proposed Scheme would deprive any victim or survivor from its right to have its claim in relation to abuse experienced in any of our facilities determined.
What does this mean for me if I have not yet lodged a claim with the National Redress Scheme in relation to abuse experienced at our facilities?
Neither the granting of a Court approved moratorium nor the proposed Scheme would prevent any victim or survivor from lodging a claim with the National Redress Scheme in relation to abuse experienced in any of our facilities.
If the Scheme is approved, how can I lodge a claim against the Province Entities?
Any abuse experienced in any facility operated by or for which the Province is responsible for can be reported to your local Police.
The pathways available for making a claim are:
- Bringing a claim forward through the Scheme if approved.
- Bringing a claim forward via the National Redress Scheme (www.nationalredress.gov.au).
Further details regarding the process for submitting a claim in the Scheme will be made available to all creditors in advance of creditors voting on the Scheme and will be made available on this website.
If the Scheme is approved by creditors and the Court, how will claims by survivors and victims be managed?
Victims and survivors will be entitled to submit a claim in the Scheme and, subject to the necessary supporting information being provided, will be entitled to vote on the Scheme. If the proposed Scheme is approved, victims and survivors will then have a longer period of time to submit a more detailed claim through the Scheme which would be assessed by the panel of independent claims adjudicators (which will principally comprise retired judges).
The panel of independent claims adjudicators will assess claims lodged by victims and survivors in accordance with the civil law that applies to those claims. They will also have the ability to request further information from victims and survivors where necessary. Victims and survivors will be able to request an internal review of the adjudication of claims and, ultimately, will be entitled to appeal such adjudications to the Court.
Other Matters
Will the Oceania Province of the Christian Brothers cease to exist if the Scheme is approved by creditors or if the Scheme Entities are instead liquidated?
In both cases, yes.
How can the Province have run out of money? The Catholic Church has many assets.
As a religious congregation, the Province is a stand-alone organisation, and the Province Entities are financially and canonically distinct from what might be termed the broader Catholic Church. Consequently, the Province Entities have no ability to compel other Catholic institutions to assist in our current situation.
The Province has requested funding from the broader Catholic Church to assist with its current financial position, however no such funding has been provided.
But doesn’t the Province own Christian Brothers Schools operated by EREA in many states?
No. Those schools are owned by Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) which is an independent entity with its own board and governance. The properties on which schools are located are not owned by the Province or the Province Entities and those properties are not part of the proposed Scheme.
What assets does the Province own then?
The Province’s assets in Australia, which are all owned by the Province Entities, principally comprise a portfolio of approximately 36 properties located around Australian with an estimated total value of approximately $216 million.
Does the moratorium or the proposed scheme of arrangement prevent any future civil claim being brought against EREA and or other Catholic institutions?
No.
Under the Scheme would creditors, including survivors and victims, receive 100 cents in the dollar?
No, creditors will not receive 100 cents in the dollar.
The details of the Scheme continue to be finalised – including through ongoing engagement with our key stakeholders – and must then be approved by creditors and the Court. The details of the Scheme will impact the expected return to creditors, but it is expected to be less than 100 cents in the dollar.
If the Scheme is not approved and the Province Entities enter liquidation, creditors are expected to receive an even smaller return.
The precise details of the Scheme, including the estimated returns for creditors in both a Scheme and liquidation scenario, will be made available to all creditors in advance of creditors voting on the Scheme.
How many surviving Christian Brothers are there?
There are currently 176 Brothers across the Province whose average age is 80.9 years.
Will the proposed Scheme make provision for the Brothers?
Yes. The proposed Scheme will make provision for the future care of the Brothers.
Information for creditors
I believe I am a creditor, what do I do now? How can I submit a proof of debt?
Further details regarding the process for submitting a proof of debt to enable creditors to vote on the Scheme will be made available to all creditors in the coming weeks and published on this website.
In the meantime, any person who believes he or she may have a claim against a Province Entity should seek independent legal advice.
When will the details of the final Scheme of Arrangement be made public?
The Province and our advisors are continuing to consult with our creditors and other stakeholders including in relation to the final terms for the Scheme, and this work will continue over coming weeks.
The final detailed terms of the proposed Scheme will be made available to all creditors before they are asked to vote on the Scheme. This information will also be made available on this website.
When will a vote on the Scheme of Arrangement take place?
The Province and our advisors are continuing to consult with our creditors and other stakeholders including in relation to the final terms of the Scheme, and this work will continue over coming weeks.
A timeline of key events for creditors will be made available on this website, as well as being sent directly to those creditors who have lodged a claim, in due course
3 CONTACT DETAILS
Reporting abuse experienced in facilities operated by the Christian Brothers
There are a number of available pathways to report abuse experienced in facilities operated by the Christian Brothers including:
- Reporting evidence of criminal allegations to your local Police.
- The National Redress Scheme which is contactable on 1800 737 377 or www.nationalredress.gov.au
- Through independent legal representation
Supports
Should you require support there are many services which are available including those listed on these sites including:
https://www.nationalredress.gov.au/help-support/247-support
https://www.childsafety.gov.au/get-support
Registering as a potential creditor
If you believe you may have a claim against the Scheme Entities, you can register as a potential creditor by submitting your contact details to this email address creditors@oceaniaprovince.org.
Please note that information regarding the Scheme will be distributed to potential claimants once the terms of the proposed scheme of arrangement have been finalised and the Court has made orders convening meetings of creditors. which is expected to occur over coming months.
Media Enquiries
All media enquiries to the Trustees of the Christian Brothers and associated entities must be in writing to media@oceaniaprovince.org.
Any enquiries not received in writing will not be responded to.